Lib Dem candidate defects to Tories
Friday, 18 September 2009 12:00 AM
By Ian Dunt
A Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate has defected to the Tories just a day before the party's conference in Bournemouth.
Party chairman Eric Pickles welcomed James Keeley to the Tories today, as the ninth PPC to join the party from the Lib Dems.
"I am delighted to announce today that councillor James Keeley, until recently the Liberal Democrat candidate in Skipton & Ripon, has decided to join the Conservative party," Mr Pickles said.
Mr Pickles made a major speech today calling on Lib Dem voters to join the Tories as Britain's main progressive party today.
James Keeley said: "I grew up in a council house on benefits under a Thatcher government. I have had to fight my way from nothing in order to make something of my life.
"I am sick to death of the 'them and us', computer says no, tick box Britain that Labour has given us.
"We need leadership, direction, but above all hope to make our society stronger. However, we have to wake up, wise up and work together in order to make things better for us all.
"After a lot of soul searching I have come to the conclusion that the only way forward is David Cameron and the Conservative party. We all know that we desperately need change so don't be afraid to change the way you vote."
Over 50 Liberal Democrat councillors have defected to the Conservatives since David Cameron became leader.
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